SER-Jobs for Progress G.E.D. program graduates celebrate achievement at ceremony

Tyler Michael did not have to say very many words when he took the podium during Wednesday night’s General Educational Development graduation ceremony at the Cultural Center on South Main Street. The 19-year-old drew applause by simply walking up to the microphone, with his nearly 1-year-old son,...

Tyler Michael did not have to say very many words when he took the podium during Wednesday night’s General Educational Development graduation ceremony at the Cultural Center on South Main Street.

The 19-year-old drew applause by simply walking up to the microphone, with his nearly 1-year-old son, Tyler Jr., in his arms. Michael was the valedictorian of the SER-Jobs for Progress young parents program.

“I’m not really one to give a speech,” Michael said, with Tyler Jr. tugging on the microphone a couple of times as he spoke.

It was a sincere, heartfelt moment captured perfectly by multiple audience members on their cellphones. Michael thanked his teachers, who he said made earning his diploma “comfortable.”

“They were my motivation to get my diploma,” Michael said of his son and his girlfriend, Tanisha Melo.

Michael was one of 25 young adults, wearing maroon colored caps and gowns, from the Fall River and Taunton area to earn a G.E.D. on Wednesday night. Other graduates earned their diplomas through SER-Jobs for Progress’ Youth Education for Employment Program and the Adult Basic Education Program.

Francisco Cabral, the executive director of SER-Jobs for Progress, likened earning a G.E.D. to taking a picture.

“This one picture will not be misplaced,” Cabral told the graduates. “It will not be destroyed, not be deleted ... . You exercised your right to pursue happiness. Congratulations.”

Cabral said it was the Fall River branch of SER-Jobs for Progress’ 22nd graduation ceremony. He said Wednesday’s graduates have had to overcome many challenges. Some had economic challenges. Some had lacked family support.

A few elected officials spoke, including Mayor Will Flanagan.

"None of you are receiving your diplomas by accident," Flanagan said. "All of you have overcome many challenges and have given 110 percent effort to get here.

“All of the people in this room, we’re all proud of you. Do not stop here.”

Then Flanagan pointed to Bristol Community College President Jack Sbrega, who was in the audience.

“If you see him, he’s going to help you," Flanagan said. "Bristol Community College is an unbelievable college. There will be so many doors unlocked for you.

“This is only one chapter. Keep going ... so you can get a better quality of life for you and your entire family.”

“I give you so much credit for understanding the value of education and pursuing it,” City Council President Linda Pereira said.

“It’s really you who could be telling me how to overcome challenges,” said state Rep. Paul Schmid. “Me, myself, I had many advantages ... I just have the greatest admiration for you all. But you gotta keep going. You’ve take your first step. But keep going. Keep going.”

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Schmid then stepped away from the podium and proceeded to hand copies of his business card to each of the graduates, telling them, “If I can ever be of assistance, please call me. You have friends in the Statehouse.”

Prior to the ceremony, graduates could be seen standing in front of the Cultural Center with family and friends. Nicole Godinho, 19, of Middleboro, said she dropped out of high school during her senior year after she had gotten pregnant.

But she didn’t wait long to go back to school. In fact, she received her G.E.D. in the mail the same day her son, Gabriel, was born — Aug. 10, 2012. “It was the best gift I could have gotten,” said Godinho, who plans to study social work at Bristol Community College’s Taunton campus.

Ashley Parillo, 18, said she was motivated to better her and her daughter’s lives as the reason for earning her diploma. She had dropped out from B.M.C. Durfee High School when she was 15 but now plans to further her education, study nursing at the Salter School.

Graduating, Parillo said simply, “feels good.”

Michael said he plans to study a trade at BCC. Melo, his girlfriend, is already studying to be a medical assistant.

When asked how she balances being a mother and going to school, the 18-year-old said with a smile, “I spend half the day with [my son], half the day at school. And when he’s asleep, I do my homework.